BigWales

Scams and Hoaxes

The easiest way to tell that an e-mail is a hoax is if the information detailed in it sounds too good to be true, for example, a promise of some monetary reward for passing along the e-mail to a friend. Most companies running special promotions in which they offer rewards will make this information available on their web sites, so if in doubt, visit the company's web site.

Another common topic for hoax e-mails is the announcement of a computer virus or other story intended to get a reader's attention, and to get the reader to take some action. Simple fact-checking is usually enough to determine whether such an e-mail is a hoax.

McAfee
For information on virus hoaxes (and real viruses) check the useful McAfee website.

Hoaxbusters
Received a warning about a new computer virus? Good intentions aren't always enough; check before you act and you'll avoid adding to the problem. The DoE CIAC Hoaxbusters site (the US Dept of Energy Computer Incident Advisory Capability) is an authoritative source.

Vmyths.com
Learn about computer virus myths, hoaxes, urban legends, hysteria, and the implications if you believe in them. You can also search a list of computer virus hoaxes & virus hysteria from A to Z.

Urban Legends and Folklore
From About.com, this is a good site to keep up to date with the latest net hoaxes, urban legends & other digital lies.